Professional audio

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A portable setup of various live audio production and recording equipment.

Professional audio, also 'pro audio', can be used a term to refer to both a type of audio equipment as well as a type of audio engineering application.

Professional audio equipment can be used to describe any audio equipment used or marketed for use as a sound application by or for a professional or professional purpose. This includes, but is not limited to, loudspeakers, microphones, Mixing consoles, amplifiers, recording and playback devices such as dat or turntables, and in some cases telephony devices. Pro Audio equipment typically carries an implied elevation of manufacturing quality and features compared to regular or consumer level audio equipment (as is common with other types of professional equipment.)

Professional audio application is commonly used to refer to professional audio engineering and operations, which can include but is not limited to broadcasting radio, audio mastering, sound reinforcement such as a concert, DJ performances, Audio Sampling , public address, surround sound movie theatres, and in some cases piped music application.

Both terms imply involvement of audio engineering at an industrial level as opposed to a personal level. For example, a regular personal use microphone such as one in a mobile phone would have a very limited dynamic range focused on speech, whereas a pro audio microphone would have a much wider dynamic range to capture quiet whispers or loud musical instruments. A loudspeaker for home use at the consumer level may not have the durability for travel and in most cases will not provide the needed amount if SPL's. A professional Loudspeaker is designed for travel and is very durable. The pro-audio loudspeaker will usually produce much higher SPL's for covering large audiences. In almost all cases people use Professional audio for the function of making money. Unlike the consumer home audio which is for functionality. The term watts of a speaker is irrelevant when determining if it is pro-audio or consumer (home) audio!